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City Flag to Be Lowered in Honor of Abused Toddler (Mar 31, 2014)

On Wednesday, April 2, the flag of the City of Portland will be lowered in honor of 2 year-old Coltin J. Salsbury who died in a motel bathroom on SE 82nd Avenue from physical abuse sustained from his mother’s boyfriend. The suspect has been indicted on murder and assault charges. The City flag will be lowered at City Hall, the Portland Building, Portland fire stations, the World Trade Center, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and Providence Park.

“It is unconscionable and unbelievable to me that someone could hurt a child to the point of death,” said City Commissioner Dan Saltzman. “If there’s an inkling of abuse or neglect, get the child out of the situation immediately. Don’t wait for things to calm down or to get better.”

Also on Wednesday, Commissioner Saltzman will make remarks followed by a moment of silence in honor of Coltin at the 9:30am Portland City Council meeting at Portland City Hall.

The month of April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which acknowledges the role of families and communities in keeping children safe. Last year, Portland Police Child Abuse Team investigated 294 cases of felony child abuse. All Portlanders can have a positive impact on a child by mentoring or volunteering.

City Council approved a resolution in April 2009 to lower the City’s flag in honor of children who die from abuse, neglect, or homicidal violence. This marks the twelfth time that the flag has been lowered.

If you know of or suspect abuse, call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-509-5439. If you witness abuse, call 911.